Supervising Social Worker
SALARY
£35,000 - £45,000 per annum, depending on experience
COMPANY: Banya Family Placement
RESPONSIBLE TO
Fostering Manager and Banya Directors
WORK LOCATION(S)
* Midlands
* Yorkshire
BENEFITS
* Employers contribution to pension
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
* Supervise and support a group of Banya foster carers to maintain consistent service delivery.
* Ensure all relevant placement agreements between carers, Banya, and other agencies are completed.
* Review and monitor all relevant agreements to ensure they remain valid and meet renewal deadlines.
* Participate in the recruitment, assessment, and training of foster carers.
* Provide post-placement support to carers to ensure a high standard of care for children in placement.
* Attend Foster Panels to present Form Fs on behalf of Banya and attend other meetings as required.
* Provide out-of-hours support on a rota basis.
PRIMARY DUTIES
* Support and supervise a group of foster carers, including regular visits per agency policy, addressing specific issues as they arise, and maintaining telephone contact as required.
* Coordinate and facilitate carer support group activities.
* Conduct annual carer reviews, complete all report processes following required deadlines, and ensure all records, including case notes, agreements, and contracts, are accurate and current.
* Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of foster carer applicants as required.
* Undertake Form F assessments of foster carer applicants and present them to Banyas Fostering Panel and, if required, to local authority panels.
* Determine accurate and current placement vacancies and notify client authorities to maximize appropriate placement opportunities.
* Ensure accurate assessment and matching of children/young people with foster families.
* Process placement agreements, reviews, and care plans for children/young people accurately, including effectively monitoring agreements to ensure standards are achieved and maintained.
* Attend child in-care reviews, case conferences, and other meetings as required.
* Record and report all matters relating to placement termination and/or disruptions and their implications accurately and promptly.
* Be fully informed about agency child protection procedures, report any child protection or childcare concerns immediately, and prepare accurate and detailed reports as appropriate.
* Understand and communicate agency procedures for responding to complaints and allegations to ensure these matters are dealt with promptly, professionally, and per procedures.
* Undertake appropriate post-complaint/allegation reviews and provide professional support to carers and their families.
* Contribute to aftercare and preparing young people for independence, as appropriate.
* Participate in Banyas training activities for carers and staff.
* Actively participate in planning and developing appropriate training programs to ensure continuous improvement goals are achieved.
* Design and maintain detailed and accurate carer records and files, including progress tracking systems, visit reports, achievement and outcome reports, and other appropriate methods to ensure service delivery is continuously refined and supports management planning and operations.
* Design and maintain detailed and accurate child placement records and files, including placement details, placing authority data, progress tracking systems, visit reports, achievement and outcome reports, and other appropriate methods to ensure service delivery is continuously refined and supports management planning and operations.
* Adhere to Banyas confidentiality policy in all aspects of placement, care, and service delivery activities.
* Assess the accuracy of all financial claims and records submitted by carers, ensure prompt submission for processing, monitor payment/claim due dates, and report inaccuracies to allow adjustments as quickly as possible.
* Ensure knowledge and understanding of Banya policies and procedures are current and applied at all times, assisting management in identifying methods to improve service delivery and providing up-to-date feedback to support Banyas commitment to continuous improvement.
* Promote equal opportunities and anti-discrimination in all aspects of work and undertake appropriate self-development strategies to ensure knowledge in this area remains current.
* Identify appropriate issues and bring them to the attention of the Directors, Fostering Manager, and Panel to ensure prompt and effective resolution.
* Undertake appropriate self-development strategies to ensure knowledge and understanding of fostering legislation, standards, and initiatives are current and applied in all aspects of professional service delivery.
* Promote a flexible, responsive, and high-standard fostering service.
* Contribute to the maintenance of Banyas information packages, guides, and handbooks.
* Offer 24-hour support to carers in cooperation with other social work staff by participating in the on-call rota for out-of-hours support as agreed with the Fostering Manager.
* Act as a practice teacher/supervisor to students placed at Banya.
* Attend panels, committees, and meetings as required.
* Undertake a range of additional tasks and responsibilities consistent with the role of a Supervising Social Worker, as directed by the Fostering Manager and/or management.
* Interact cooperatively with all staff members and contribute to actively advancing a team-based work environment.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
* Dip SW, BA, MA, or equivalent qualification recognized by Social Work England (SWE).
* Experience in family placement and/or children and family work.
* Knowledge of the Fostering Service Regulations, Children Act 1989, and related legislation, standards, and regulations.
Desirable
* Sound knowledge of modern computer software packages, including proficiency with the MS Office suite.
* Previous experience as a workplace trainer and group session facilitator.
SKILLS
* Ability to deliver foster carer supervision, support, and training.
* Ability to evaluate foster carers and prepare sound written assessments and reports.
* Strong organizational and administrative skills and ability to work effectively with relevant professionals.
* Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
* Excellent written and oral communication and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work calmly in stressful situations and meet deadlines.
* Ability to contribute to Banyas development as a Best Practice service provider.
* Flexibility to work flexible hours.
* Willingness to undertake additional professional development training as required.
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